Methods and systems for dynamically generating a training program

ABSTRACT

Learning content management systems and processes are described that enable a user to independently define or select learning content, frameworks, styles, and/or protocols. The frameworks may be configured to specify a flow or an order of presentation to a learner with respect to a learning content presentation. The style definition may define an appearance of learning content. At least partly in response to a publishing instruction, the received learning content and the received framework definition are merged and then rendered in accordance with the defined style. The rendered merged learning content and framework definition are packaged in accordance with the defined/selected protocol to provide a published learning document.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claimis identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the presentapplication are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57.

COPYRIGHT RIGHTS

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialthat is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the reproduction by any one of the patent document or thepatent disclosure, as it appears in the patent and trademark officepatent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rightswhatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention is related to program generation, and inparticular, to methods and systems for training program generation.

Description of the Related Art

Conventional tools for developing computer-based training courses andprograms themselves generally require a significant amount of trainingto use. Further, updates to training courses and programs conventionallyrequire a great deal of manual intervention. Thus, conventionally, thecosts, effort, and time need to generate a training program areunsatisfactorily high.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary of one or more aspects inorder to provide a basic understanding of such aspects. This summary isnot an extensive overview of all contemplated aspects, and is intendedto neither identify key or critical elements of all aspects nordelineate the scope of any or all aspects. Its sole purpose is topresent some concepts of one or more aspects in a simplified form as aprelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

An example embodiment provides a learning content management systemcomprising: one or more processing devices; non-transitory machinereadable media that stores executable instructions, which, when executedby the one or more processing devices, are configured to cause the oneor more processing devices to perform operations comprising: providingfor display on a terminal a learning content input user interfaceconfigured to receive learning content; receiving learning content viathe learning content input user interface and storing the receivedlearning content in machine readable memory; providing for display onthe terminal a framework user interface configured to receive aframework definition, wherein the framework definition defines at leastan order of presentation to a learner with respect to learning content;receiving, independently of the received learning content, a frameworkdefinition via the framework user interface and storing the receivedframework definition in machine readable memory, wherein the frameworkdefinition specifies a presentation flow; providing for display on theterminal a style set user interface configured to receive a styledefinition, wherein the style definition defines an appearance oflearning content; receiving, independently of at least a portion of thereceived learning content, the style set definition via the style setuser interface and storing the received style set definition in machinereadable memory; providing for display on the terminal a protocol userinterface configured to receive a protocol selection; receiving,independently of the received learning content, the protocol selectionvia the protocol user interface; receiving from the user a publishinginstruction via a publishing user interface; at least partly in responseto the received publishing instruction, accessing from machine readablememory the received learning content, the received framework definition,the received style set definition, and the received protocol selection:merging the received learning content and the received frameworkdefinition; rendering the merged the received learning content and thereceived framework definition in accordance with the received style setdefinition; packaging the rendered merged learning content and frameworkdefinition in accordance with the selected protocol to provide apublished learning document.

An example embodiment provides a method of managing learning content,the method comprising: providing, by a computer system, for display on adisplay device a learning content input user interface configured toreceive learning content; receiving, by the computer system, learningcontent via the learning content input user interface and storing thereceived learning content in machine readable memory; providing, by thecomputer system, for display on the display device a framework userinterface configured to receive a framework definition, wherein theframework definition defines an order of presentation to a learner withrespect to learning content; receiving by the computer system,independently of the received learning content, a framework definitionvia the framework user interface and storing the received frameworkdefinition in machine readable memory, wherein the framework definitionspecifies a presentation flow; providing, by the computer system, fordisplay on the display device a style set user interface configured toreceive a style definition, wherein the style definition defines anappearance of learning content; receiving by the computer system thestyle set definition via the style set user interface and storing thereceived style set definition in machine readable memory; providing fordisplay on the display device a protocol user interface configured toreceive a protocol selection; receiving by the computer system,independently of the received learning content, the protocol selectionvia the protocol user interface; receiving, by the computer system fromthe user, a publishing instruction via a publishing user interface; atleast partly in response to the received publishing instruction,accessing, by the computer system, from machine readable memory thereceived learning content, the received framework definition, thereceived style set definition, and the received protocol selection:merging, by the computer system, the received learning content and thereceived framework definition; rendering, by the computer system, themerged the received learning content and the received frameworkdefinition in accordance with the received style set definition;packaging the rendered merged learning content and framework definitionin accordance with the selected protocol to provide a published learningdocument.

An example embodiment provides a non-transitory machine readable mediathat stores executable instructions, which, when executed by the one ormore processing devices, are configured to cause the one or moreprocessing devices to perform operations comprising: providing fordisplay on a terminal a learning content input user interface configuredto receive learning content; receiving learning content via the learningcontent input user interface and storing the received learning contentin machine readable memory; providing for display on the terminal aframework user interface configured to receive a framework definition,wherein the framework definition defines an order of presentation to alearner with respect to learning content; receiving, independently ofthe received learning content, a framework definition via the frameworkuser interface and storing the received framework definition in machinereadable memory, wherein the framework definition specifies apresentation flow; providing for display on the terminal a style setuser interface configured to receive a style definition, wherein thestyle definition defines an appearance of learning content; receivingthe style set definition via the style set user interface and storingthe received style set definition in machine readable memory; providingfor display on the terminal a protocol user interface configured toreceive a protocol selection; receiving, independently of the receivedlearning content, the protocol selection via the protocol userinterface; receiving from the user a publishing instruction via apublishing user interface; at least partly in response to the receivedpublishing instruction, accessing from machine readable memory thereceived learning content, the received framework definition, thereceived style set definition, and the received protocol selection:merging the received learning content and the received frameworkdefinition; rendering the merged the received learning content and thereceived framework definition in accordance with the received style setdefinition; packaging the rendered merged learning content and frameworkdefinition in accordance with the selected protocol to provide apublished learning document.

An example embodiment provides a non-transitory machine readable mediathat stores executable instructions, which, when executed by the one ormore processing devices, are configured to cause the one or moreprocessing devices to perform operations comprising: providing fordisplay on a terminal a learning content input user interface configuredto receive learning content; receiving learning content via the learningcontent input user interface and storing the received learning contentin machine readable memory; providing for display on the terminal aframework user interface configured to receive a framework definition,wherein the framework definition defines an order of presentation to alearner with respect to learning content; receiving, independently ofthe received learning content, a framework definition via the frameworkuser interface and storing the received framework definition in machinereadable memory, wherein the framework definition specifies apresentation flow; receiving from the user a publishing instruction viaa publishing user interface; at least partly in response to the receivedpublishing instruction, accessing from machine readable memory thereceived learning content, the received framework definition, a receivedstyle set definition, and a received protocol selection: merging thereceived learning content and the received framework definition;rendering the merged the received learning content and the receivedframework definition in accordance with the received style setdefinition; packaging the rendered merged learning content and frameworkdefinition in accordance with the selected protocol to provide apublished learning document.

An example embodiment comprises: an extensible content repository; anextensible framework repository; an extensible style repository; anextensible user interface; and an extensible multi-protocol publishercomponent. Optionally, the extensible framework repository, theextensible style repository; the extensible user interface, and theextensible multi-protocol publisher component may be configured asdescribed elsewhere herein.

An example embodiment provides a first console enabling the user toredefine the first console and to define at least a styles console, aframework console, and/or a learning content console. The stylesconsoles may be used to define styles for learning content (optionallyindependently of the learning content), the framework console may beused to define a learning framework (e.g., order of presentation and/orassessments) to be used with learning content, (optionally independentlyof the learning content), The learning content console may be used toreceive/define learning content.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosed aspects will hereinafter be described in conjunction withthe appended drawings, provided to illustrate and not to limit thedisclosed aspects, wherein like designations denote the elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example architecture.

FIGS. 2A-2ZZ illustrate example user interfaces.

FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate additional example user interfaces.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example network system.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example process overview for defining andpublishing learning content.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example process for defining parameters.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example process for defining interactive consoles.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example process for defining styles.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example process for defining structure.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example process for defining an avatar.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example process for defining learning content.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example process for previewing content.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example process for publishing content.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Systems and methods are described for storing, organizing, manipulating,and/or authoring content, such as learning content. Certain embodimentsprovide a system for authoring computer-based learning modules. Certainembodiments provide an extensible learning management solution thatenables new features and functionality to be added over time to providea long-lasting solution.

Certain embodiments enable a user to define and/or identify the purposeor intent of an item of learning content. For example, a user may assignone or more tags (e.g., as metadata) to a given piece of contentindicating a name, media type, purpose of content, intent of content. Atag (or other linked text) may include descriptive information,cataloging information, classification information, etc. Such taginformation may enhance a designer of learning courseware to morequickly locate (e.g., via a search engine or via an automaticallygenerated index), insert, organize, and update learning content withrespect to learning modules. For example, a search field may be providedwherein a user can enter text corresponding to a subject matter of alearning object, and a search engine will then search for and identifyto the user learning objects corresponding to such text, optionally inorder of inferred relevancy.

Further, certain embodiments provide some or all of the followingfeatures:

The ability to quickly enter and organize content without having tofirst define a course module framework to receive the content.

The ability to have changes to content quickly and automaticallyincorporated/updated in some or all modules that include such content(without requiring a user to manually go through each course where thecontent is used and manually update the content).

Enables the coordination among designers and content providers.

The ability to create multiple versions of a course applicable todifferent audiences (beginners, intermediate learners, advancedlearners);

The ability to create multiple versions of a course for differentdevices and formats.

Certain example embodiments described herein may address some or all ofthe deficiencies of the conventional techniques discussed herein.

By way of background, certain types of language are not adequatelyextensible. By way of illustration, HTML (HyperText Markup Language),which is used to create Web pages, includes “tags” to denote varioustypes of text formatting. These tags are encased in angle brackets, andopening and closing tags are paired around the text they impact. Closingtags are denoted with a slash character before the tag name. Considerthis example:

This text is Italic, this remainder of this text is underlined, but thistext is italic and underlined.

The HTML tags to define this, assuming “i” for italic and “u” forunderlined could look like this:

This text is <i>Italic</i>, this remainder of this text is<u>underlined, but this text is </i>italic and underlined</i></u>.

HTML allows for the definition of more than italics and underlining,including identification of paragraphs, line breaks, bolding, typefaceand font size changes, colors, etc. Basically, the controls that a userwould need to be able to format text on a web page are defined in theHTML standard, and implemented through the use of opening and closingtags.

However, HTML is limited. It was specifically designed for formattingtext, and not intended to structure data. Extensible languages have beendeveloped, such as XML. For example, allowable tags could be definedwithin the structure of XML itself—allowing for growth potential overtime. Since the language defined itself it was considered to be an“eXtensible Markup Language” and was called “XML” for short.

However, extensible languages have not been developed for managing orauthoring learning modules.

While Learning Content Management Systems (LCMS) exist, they suffer fromsignificant deficiencies. Conventional LCMS products are course-centric,not “content centric.” In other words, with respect to certainconvention LCMS products, the learning content is only entered withinthe confines of the narrow definition of a “course”, and these coursesare designed to follow a given flow and format. Reusability is limited.For example, if a designer wishes to reuse a piece of content from anexisting course, typically the user would have to access the existingcourse, find content (e.g., a page, a text block, or an animation) thatcan be utilized in a new course, and would then have to manually copysuch content (e.g., via a copy function), and then manually paste thecontent into a new course.

Just as HTML is limited to defining specific “page formatting” elements,a conventional LCMS is limited to defining specific “course formatting”elements, such as pages, text, animations, videos, etc. Thus, thelearning objects in a conventional LCMS product are identified by theirformats, not by their purpose or intent within the confines of thecourse.

As such, in conventional LCMS products, a user can only search forcontent type (e.g., “videos”), and cannot search for content based onthe content purpose or content subject matter. For example, inconventional LCMS products, a user cannot search for “animatedrole-model performances,” “typical customer face-to-face challenges,” or“live-action demonstrations.”

By contrast, certain embodiments described herein enable a user todefine and describe content and its purpose outside of a course, and tosearch for such content using words or other data included within thedescription and/or other fields (e.g., such a data provided via one ormore of the user interfaces discussed herein). For example, with respectto an item of video, in addition to identifying the item as a videoitem, the user can define the video with respect to its purpose, such as“animated role-model performance,” that exemplifies a given learningconcept. As will be discussed below, certain examples enable a user toassociate a short name, a long name, a description, notes, type, and/orother data with respect to an item of content, style, framework,control, etc., which may be used by the search engine when looking formatches to a user search term. Optionally, the search user interface mayinclude a plurality of fields and/or search control terms that enable auser to further refine a search. For example, the user may specify thatthe search engine should find content items that include a specifiedsearch term in their short and/or long names. The user may focus thesearch to one or more types of data described herein.

Another deficiency of conventional LCMS products is that they force theauthor to store the content in a format that is meaningful to the LCMSand they do not provide a mechanism that allows the author to store thecontent in a format that is meaningful to the user. In effect,conventional LCMS products structure their content by course, and when auser accesses a course, the user views pages, and on those pages arevarious elements—text, video, graphics, animations, audios, etc. Contentis simply placed on pages. Conventionally, then, a course is analogousto a series of slides, in some instances with some interactivityincluded. But the nature of conventional e-Learning courses authoredusing conventional LCSM products is very much like a series of pageswith various content placed on each page—much like a PowerPoint slideshow.

To further illustrate the limitations of conventional LCMS, if a userwants to delete an item of learning content, the user would have toaccess each page that includes the learning content, select the learningcontent to be deleted, and then manually delete the learning content.Similarly, conventionally if a user wants to add learning content, theuser visits each page where the learning content is to be inserted, andmanually inserts the learning content. Generally, conventional LCMSproducts do not know what data the user is looking to extract. Instead,a conventional LCMS product simply “knows” that it has pages, and oneach page are items like headers, footers, text blocks, diagrams,videos, etc.

By contrast, certain embodiments described herein have powerful datadescription facilities that enable a user to enter and identify data interms that is meaningful to the user. So instead of merely enteringitems, such as text blocks and diagrams, on pages, the user may enterand/or identify items by subject (e.g., “Basic Concepts”, “BasicConcepts Applied”, “Exercises for Applying Basic Concepts”, etc.). Theuser may then define a template that specifies how these various itemsare to be presented to build learning modules for basic concepts. Thisapproach saves time in authoring learning modules, as a user would notbe required to format each learning module. Instead, a user may enterthe data independent of the format in which it is to be presented, andthen create a “framework” that specifies that for a given module to bebuilt, various elements are to be extracted from the user's data, suchas an introduction to the learning module, a description of the subjector skills to be learned, introduction of key points, and a conclusion.The user may enter the content in such a way that the system knows whatthe data is, and the user may enter the content independent of thepresentation framework. Then publishing the matter may be accomplishedby merging the content and the framework. An additional optionaladvantage is that the user can automatically publish the same content inany number of different frameworks.

Certain embodiments enable some or all of the foregoing features byproviding a self-defining, extensible system enabling the user toappropriately tag and classify data. Thus, rather than being limited topage-based formatting, as is the case with conventional LCMS products,certain embodiments provide extensible learning content management, alsoreferred to as an LCMX (Learning Content Management—Extensible)application. The LCMX application may include an extensible formatwhereby new features, keywords and structures may be added as needed ordesired.

Certain example embodiments that provide an authoring system thatmanages the authoring process and provides a resulting learning modulewill now be described in greater detail.

Certain embodiments provide some or all of the following:

Web-Enabled Data Entry User interfaces

SQL Server Data Repository Separation of Content, Framework and StyleElements

Table-Driven, Extensible Architecture

Multiple Frameworks

One-Step Publishing Engine

Multiple Output Formats

Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCROM) (standards andspecifications for web-based e-learning)-Compliant (FLASH, SILVERLIGHTsoftware compliant)

HTML5-Output (compatible with IPOD/IPAD/BLACKBERRY/ANDROID products(HTML5)

MICROSOFT OFFICE Document output compatibility (e.g., WORD software,POWERPOINT software, etc.)

Audio only output

PDF output

Certain embodiments may be used to author and implement training modulesand processes disclosed in the following patent applications,incorporated herein by reference in their entirety:

Application No. Publication No. Filing Date 12/510,868 US 2010-0028846A1 Jul. 28, 2009 12/058,525 US 2008-0254426 A1 Mar. 28, 2008 12/058,515US 2008-0254425 A1 Mar. 28, 2008 12/058,493 US 2008-0254424 A1 Mar. 28,2008 12/058,491 US 2008-0254423 A1 Mar. 28, 2008 12/058,481 US2008-0254419 A1 Mar. 28, 2008 11/669,079 US 2008-0182231 A1 Jan. 30,2007 11/340,891 US 2006-0172275 A1 Jan. 27, 2006

Further, certain embodiments may be implemented using the systemsdisclosed in the foregoing applications.

Certain embodiments enhance database capabilities so that much or all ofthe data is self-defined within the database, and further providedatabase defined User Interface (UI) Consoles that enable the creationand maintenance of data. This technique enables certain embodiments tobe extensible to provide for the capture of new, unforeseen data typesand patterns.

Certain example embodiments will now be described in greater detail.Certain example embodiments include some or all of the followingcomponents:

-   -   Extensible Content Repository    -   Extensible Framework Repository    -   Extensible Style Repository    -   Extensible User Interface    -   Extensible Multi-Protocol Publisher

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the extensible user interface provides accessto the extensible content, framework, and style repositories. Thiscontent is then processed through the multi-protocol publisherapplication to generate content intended for the end user (e.g., atrainee/student or other learner). A search engine may be provided,wherein a user can enter into a search field text (e.g., tags orcontent) associated with a learning object, framework, or style, and thesearch engine will identify matching objects (e.g., in a listingprioritized based on inferred relevancy). Optionally, an indexing moduleis provided which generates an index of each tag and the learningobjects associated with such tag. Optionally, a user may make changes toa given item via a respective user interface, and the system willautomatically ripple the changes throughout one or more user-specifiedcourse modules to thereby produce and updated course module.

Conventional approaches to learning content management lay out aspecific approach in a “fixed” manner. Conventionally, with such a“fixed” approach, entry user interfaces/screens would be laid out in anunchanging configuration—requiring extensive manual “remodeling” if morefeatures are to be added or deleted, or if a user wanted to re-layout auser interface (e.g., split a busy user interface into two or moresmaller workspaces).

By contrast, certain embodiments described herein utilize a dynamic,extensible architecture, enabling a robust capability with a large setof features to be implemented for current use, along with the ability toadd new features and functionality over time to provide a long-lastingsolution.

With the database storing the content, a learning application may beconfigured as desired to best manipulate that data to achieve an endgoal. In certain embodiments, the same data can be accessed andmaintained by a number of custom user interfaces to handle multiplespecific requests. For example, if one client wanted the content labeledin certain terms and presented in a certain order, and a differentclient wanted the content displayed in a totally different way, twoseparate user interfaces can be configured so that each clientoptionally sees the same or substantially the same data in accordancewith their own specified individual preferences. Furthermore, the datacan be tailored as well, so that each client maintains data specific totheir own needs in each particular circumstance.

Thus, in certain embodiments, a system enables the user to perform thefollowing example definition process (where the definitions may be thenstored in a system database):

1. Define content, where the user may associate meaning and intent ofthe content with a given item of content (e.g., via one or more tagsdescribed herein). Certain embodiments enable a user to add multiplemeanings and/or intents with a given item of content, as desired. Thecontent and associated tags may be stored in a content library.

2. Define frameworks, which may specify or correspond to a learningmethodology. For example, a framework may specify an order or flow ofpresentation to a learner (e.g., first present an introduction to thecourse module, then present a definition of terms used in the coursemodule, then present one or more objectives of the course module, thendisplay a “good” role model video illustrating a proper way to perform,then display a “bad” role model video illustrating an erroneous way toperform, then provide a practice session, the provide a review page,then provide a test, then provide a test score, etc.). A given frameworkmay be matched with content in the content library (e.g., where a usercan specify which media is to be used to illustrate a role model). Aframework may define different flows for different output/renderingdevices. For example, if the output device is presented on a device witha small display, the content for a given user interface may be split upamong two or more user interfaces. By way of further example, if theoutput device is an audio-only device, the framework may specify thatfor such a device only audio content will be presented.

3. Style, which defines appearances-publishing formats for differentoutput devices (e.g., page layouts, type faces, corporate logos, colorpalettes, number of pixels (e.g., which may be respectively differentfor a desktop computer, a tablet computer, a smart phone, a television,etc.)). By way of illustration, different styles may be specified for abrochure, a printed book, a demonstration (e.g., live video, diagrams,animations, audio descriptions, etc.), an audio only device, a mobiledevice, a desktop computer, etc. The system may include predefinedstyles which may be utilized by a user and/or edited by a user.

Thus, content, frameworks, and styles may be separately defined, andthen selected and combined in accordance with user instructions toprovide a presentation. In particular, a framework may mine the contentin the content library, and utilize the style from the style library.

By contrast, using conventional systems, before a user begins defining acourse module, the user needs to know what device will be used to renderthe course module. Then the user typically specifies the format and flowof each page, on a page-by-page basis. The user then specifies thecontent for each page. Further, as discussed above, conventionally,because the system does not know the subject matter or intent of thecontent, if a user later wants to make a change to a given item or todelete a given item (e.g., a discussion of revenues and expenses), theuser has to manually go through each page, determine where a change hasto be made and then manually implement the change.

Certain embodiments of the authoring platform offer several areas ofextensibility including learning content, frameworks, styles,publishing, and user interface, examples of which will be discussed ingreater detail below. It is understood that the following areillustrative examples, and the extensible nature of the technologydescribed herein may be utilized to create any number of data elementsof a given type as appropriate or desired.

Extensible Learning Content

Learning Content is the actual data to be presented in publishedcourseware (where published courseware may be in the form of audio/videocourseware presented via a terminal (e.g., a desktop computer, a laptopcomputer, a table computer, a smart phone, an interactive television,etc.), audio only courseware, printed courseware, etc) to be provided toa learner (e.g., a student or trainee, sometimes generically referred toherein as a learner). For example, the learning content may be directedto “communication,” “management,” “history,” or “science” or othersubject. Because the content can reflect any subject, certainembodiments of the content management system described herein areextensible to thereby handle a variety of types of content. Some ofthese are described below.

Support Material

A given item of content may be associated with an abundance of relatedsupport data used for description, cataloging, and classification. Forexample, such support data may include a “title” (e.g., which describesthe content subject matter), “design notes”, “course name” (which may beused to identify a particular item of content and may be used to catalogthe content) and “course ID” which may be used to uniquely identify aparticular item of content and may be used to classify the content,wherein a portion of the course ID may indicate a contentclassification.

Text

For certain learning modules, a large amount of content may be in textformat. For example, lesson content, outlines, review notes, questions,answers, etc. may be in text form. Text can be utilized by and displayedby computers, mobile devices, hardcopy printed materials, or via othermediums that can display text.

Illustrations

Illustrations are often utilized in learning content. By way of exampleand not limitation, a number of illustrations can be attachedto/included in the learning content to represent and/or emphasizecertain data (e.g., key concepts). In electronic courseware, theillustrations may be in the form of digital images, which may be in oneor more formats (e.g., BMP, DIP, JPG, EPS, PCX, PDF, PNG, PSD, SVG, TGA,and/or other formats).

Audio & Video

Courseware elements may include audio and video streams. Suchaudio/video content can include narrations, questions, role models, rolemodel responses, words of encouragement, words of correction, or othercontent. Certain embodiments described herein enable the storage (e.g.,in a media catalog), and playback of a variety of audio and/or videoformats/standards of audio or video data (e.g. MP3, ACC, WMA, or otherformat for audio data, and MPG, MOV, WMV, RM, or other format for videodata).

Animations

An animation may be in the form of an “interactive illustration.” Forexample, certain learning courseware may employ Flash, Toon Boom,Synfig, Maya (for 3D animations) etc., to provide animations, and/or toenable a user to interact with animations.

Automatically Generated Content

Certain embodiments enable the combination (e.g., synchronization) ofindividual learning content elements of different types to therebygenerate additional unique content. For example, an image of a face canbe combined with an audio track to generate an animated avatar whoselips and/or body motions are synchronized with the audio track so thatit appears to the viewer that the avatar is speaking the words on theaudio track.

Other content, including not yet developed content, may be incorporatedas well.

Extensible Frameworks

As similarly discussed above, certain embodiments separate the learningcontent from the presentation framework. Thus, a database can store“knowledge” that can then be mapped out through a framework to become acourse, where different frameworks can access the same content databaseto produce different courses and/or different versions and/or formats ofthe same course. Frameworks can range from the simple to the advanced.

By way of example, using embodiments described herein, various learningmethodologies may be used to draw upon the content data. For example,with respect to vocabulary words, a user may define spelling,pronunciation, word origins, parts of speech, etc. A learningmethodology could call for some or all of these elements to be presentedin a particular order and in a particular format. Once the order andformat is established, and the words are defined in the database, someor all of the vocabulary library may be incorporated as learning contentin one or more learning modules.

The content can be in any of the previously mentioned formats orcombinations thereof. For example, a module may be configured to ask tospell a vocabulary word by stating the word and its meaning via an audiotrack, without displaying the word on the display of the user'sterminal. The learner could then be asked to type in the appropriatespelling or speak the spelling aloud in the fashion of a spelling bee.The module can then compare the learner's spelling with the correctspelling, score the learner's spelling, and inform the learner if thelearner's spelling was correct or incorrect.

The same content can be presented in any number of extensible learningmethodologies, and assessed via a variety of assessment methodologies.

Assessment Methodologies

Certain embodiments enable the incorporation of one or more of thefollowing assessment methodologies and tools to evaluate a learner'scurrent knowledge/skills and/or the success of the learning in acquiringnew knowledge/skills via a learning course: true/false questions,multiple choice questions, fill in the blank, matching, essays,mathematical questions, etc. Such assessment tools can access dataelements stored in the learning content.

In contrast to conventional approaches, using certain embodimentsdescribed herein, data elements can be re-used across multiple learningmethodologies. For example, conventionally a module designer mayincorporate into a learning module a multiple choice question byspecifying a specific multiple choice question, the correct answer tothe multiple choice question, and indicating specific incorrect answers.By contrast, certain embodiments described herein further enable amodule designer to define a question more along the lines of “this issomething the learner should be able to answer.” The module designer canthen program in correct answers and incorrect answers, complete answersand incomplete answers. These can then be drawn upon to create any typeof assessment, such as multiple choice, fill in the blank, essays, orverbal response testing.

Intermixed Modules

In certain embodiments a variety of learning methodologies andassessments (e.g., performance drilling (PD), listening mastery (LM),perfecting performance (PP), automated data diagnostics (ADD), andpreventing missed opportunities (PMO) methodologies disclosed in theapplications incorporated herein) can be included in a given module. Forexample, with respect to a training program for a customer serviceperson, a module may be included on how to greet a customer, how toinvite the customer in for an assessment, and how to close the sale withthe customer. Once the content is entered into the system and stored inthe content database, a module may be generated with the training and/orassessment for the greeting being presented in a multiple choice format,the invitation presented in PD format, and the closing presented in PPformat. If it was determined that a particular format was notwell-suited for the specific content, it could be easily swapped out andreplaced with a completely different learning methodology (e.g., using adifferent, previously defined framework or a new framework); the lessoncontent may remain the same, but with a different mix and/or formattingof how that content is presented.

Extensible Styles

Content and the manner in which it is presented via frameworks have nowbeen discussed. The relationship of the extensible element to the actualappearance of that content will now be discussed. This relationship ismanaged in certain embodiments via Extensible Styles. Once the contentand flow are established, the styles specify and set the formatting ofindividual pages or user interfaces, and define colors, sizes,placement, etc.

Page Layout

“Pages” need not be physical pages; rather they can be thought of as“containers” that present information as a group. Indeed, a given pagemay have different attributes and needs depending on the device used topresent (visually and/or audibly) the page.

By way of example, in a hardcopy book (or an electronic representationof the same) a page may be laid out so with a chapter title, pagenumber, header and footer, and paragraphs. Space may be reserved forillustrations.

For a computer, a “page” may be a “screen” that, like a book, includestext and/or illustrations placed at various locations. However, inaddition, the page may also need to incorporate navigation controls,animations, audio/video, and/or other elements.

For an audio CD, a “page” could be a “track” that consists of variousaudio content separated into distinct sections.

Thus, in the foregoing instances, the layout of the content may bemanaged through a page metaphor. Further, for a given instance, therecan be data/specifications established as to size and location, timingand duration, and attributes of the various content elements.

Media

The media to be displayed can be rendered in a variety of differentstyles. For example, a color photo could be styled to appear in graytones if it were to appear in a black and white book. Similarly, a BMPgraphic file could be converted into a JPG or PNG format file to savespace or to allow for presentation on a specific device. By way offurther example, a Windows WAV audio file could be converted to an MP3file. Media styles allow the designer/author to define how mediaelements are to be presented, and embodiments described herein canautomatically convert the content from one format (e.g., the format thecontent is currently stored in) to another format (e.g., the formatspecified by the designer or automatically selected based on anidentified target device (e.g., a book, an audio player, a touch screentablet computer, a desktop computer, an interactive television, etc.)).

Static Text

In addition to forming substantive learning content, certain textelements can be thought of as “static text” that remain consistentthroughout a particular style. For example, static text can includewords such as “Next” and “Previous” that may appear on each userinterface in a learning module, but would need to be changed if themodule were to be published in a different language. But other text,such as navigation terminology, copyright notices, branding, etc., canalso be defined and applied as a style to learning content, thuseliminating the need to repetitively add these elements to each module.

Control Panels

Control panels give the learner a way to maneuver or navigate throughthe learning module as well as to access additional features. Thesepanels can vary from page to page. For example, the learner may beallowed to freely navigate in the study section of a module, but oncethe learner begins a testing assessment, the learner may be locked intoa sequential presentation of questions. Control panels can be configuredto allow the learner to move from screen to screen, play videos, launcha game, go more in-depth, review summary or detailed presentations ofthe same data, turn on closed captioning, etc. The controls may be fullyconfigurable and extensible.

Scoring

Scoring methods may also be fully customizable. For example, assessmentswith multiple objectives or questions can provide scoring related to howwell the learner performed. By way of illustration, a score may indicatehow many questions were answered correctly, and how many questions wereanswered incorrectly; the percentage of questions that were answeredcorrectly; a performance/rank of a learner relative to other learners.The score may be a grade score, a numerical score, or may be a pass failscore. By way of illustration a score may be in the form of “1 out of 5correctly answered”, “20% correct,” “pass/fail”, and/or any otherdefinable mechanism. Such scoring can be specified on a learning objectbasis and/or for an entire module.

Graphing & Reporting

Certain embodiments provide for user-configurable reports (e.g., textand/or graphical reporting). For example, a designer can specify thatonce a learning module is completed, the results (e.g., scores or otherassessments) may be displayed in a text format, as a graph in a varietyof formats, or as a mixture of text and graphs. The extensibility of theLCMX system enables a designer to specify and utilize any desiredpresentation methodology for formatting and displaying, whether in text,graphic, animated, video, and/or audio formats.

Extensible Publishing

Extensibility of the foregoing features is provided through extendeddata definitions in the LCMX database. Certain embodiments may utilizespecifically developed application programs to be used to publish in acorresponding format. Optionally, a rules-based generic publishingapplication may be utilized.

Regardless of whether a custom developed publishing application or ageneric publication application is used, optionally, data may begathered in a manner that is that appears to be the same to a designer,and the resulting learning module may have the same appearance andfunctionality from a learner's perspective.

Devices

Styles may be defined to meet the requirements or attributes of specificdevices. The display, processing power, and other capabilities of mobilecomputing devices (e.g., tablet computers, cell phones, smart phones,etc.), personal computer, interactive televisions, and game consoles mayvary greatly. Further, it may be desirable to publish to word processingdocuments, presentation documents, (e.g., Word documents, PowerPointslide decks, PDF files, etc.) and a variety of other “device” types.Embodiments herein may provide a user interface via which a user mayspecify one or more output devices, and the system will access theappropriate publishing functionality/program(s) to publish a learningmodule in one or more formats configured to be executed/displayed on theuser-specified respective one or more output devices.

Protocols

While different devices may require different publishing applications topublish a module that can be rendered by a respective device, in certaininstances the same device can accept multiple different protocols aswell. For example, a WINDOWS-based personal computer may be able torender and display content using SILVERLIGHT, FLASH, or HTML5 protocols.Further, certain end-users/clients may have computing environments whereplug-ins/software for the various protocols may or may not be present.Therefore, even if the content is to be published to run on a“Windows-based personal computer” and to appear within a set frameworkand style, the content may also be generated in multiple protocols thatclosely resemble one another on the outside, but have entirely differentcode for generating that user interface.

Players

As discussed above, a learning module may be published for differentdevices and different protocols. Certain embodiments enable a learningmodule to be published for utilization with one or more specificbrowsers (e.g., MICROSOFT EXPLORER browser, APPLE SAFARI browser,MOZILLA FIREFOX browser, GOOGLE CHROME browser, etc.) or other mediaplayer applications (e.g., APPLE ITUNES media player, MICROSOFT mediaplayer, custom players specifically configured for the playback oflearning content, etc.) on a given type of device. In addition orinstead, a module may be published in a “universal” formal suitable foruse with a variety of different browsers or other playback applications.

Extensible User Interface

Some or all of the extensible features discussed herein may stored inthe LCMX database. In addition, user interfaces may be configured to beextensible to access other databases and other types of data formats anddata extensions. This is accomplished via dynamically-generated contentmaintenance user interfaces, which may be defined in the LCMX database.

For example, a content maintenance user interface may includeuser-specified elements that are associated with or bound to respectivedatabase fields. As a result, the appropriate data can be displayed inread-only or editable formats, and the user can save new data or changesto existing data via a consistent database interface layer that powersthe dynamic screens.

Content Screens

In order to provide the ability of users to define their content in anextensible format, maintenance user interfaces may be defined thatenable the content to be entered, updated, located and published. Theseuser interfaces can be general purpose in design, or specifically taskedto handle individual circumstances. Additionally, these user interfacesmay vary from client (end user) to client providing them the ability totailor the user interface to match the particular format needs of theircontent.

Framework User Interfaces

Frameworks may be extensible as well. Therefore, the user interfacesused to define and maintain frameworks may also be dynamically generatedto allow for essentially an unlimited number of possibilities. Theframework definition user interfaces provide the location for thebinding of the content to the flow of the individual framework.

Style User Interfaces

Style user interfaces may be divided into the following classifications:Style Elements and the Style Set.

Style Elements define attributes such as font sets, page layout formats,page widths, control panel buttons, page element positioning, etc. Theseelements may be formatted individually as components, and acorresponding style user interface may enable a user to preview theattribute options displayed in a generic format. As such, each of thestyle elements can be swapped into or out of a Style Set as anindividual object.

The Style Set may be used to bind these attributes to the specificframework. In certain embodiments, the user interface enables a user toassociate or tag a given style attribute with a specified frameworkelement, and enables the attributes to be swapped in (or out) as agroup. The forgoing functionally may be performed using a dynamicallygenerated user interface or via a specific application withdrag-and-drop capabilities.

Publishing User Interfaces

Publishing user interfaces are provided that enable the user to selecttheir content, match it with a framework, render it through a specificstyle set, and package it in a format suitable for a given device in aspecific protocol. In short, these user interfaces provide a mechanismvia which the user may combine the various extensible resources into asingle package specification (or optionally into multiplespecifications). This package is then passed on to the appropriatepublisher software, with generates the package to meet the userspecifications. Once published, the package may be distributed to theuser in the appropriate medium (e.g., as a hardcopy document, a browserrender-able module, a downloadable mobile device application, etc.).

Certain example user interfaces will now be discussed in greater detailwith reference to the figures. FIG. 2Y illustrates an exampleintroduction user interface indicating the application name and the userthat is logged in. FIG. 2A illustrates a user interface listing learningobjects (e.g., intended to teach a learner certain information, such ashow to perform certain tasks). Each object may be associated with asequence number (e.g., a unique identifier), a short name previouslyspecified by a user, a long name previously specified by a user (whichmay be more descriptive of the subject matter, content, and/or purposeof the object than the short name), a notes field (via which a user canadd additional comments regarding the object), and a status field (whichmay indicate that the object design is not completed; that it has beencompleted, but not yet approved by someone whose approval is needed;that that it has been completed and approved by someone whose approvalis needed; that it is active; that it is inactive; that it has beendeployed, etc. In addition, an edit control is provided in associationwith a given learning object, which when activated, will cause an edituser interface to be displayed (see, e.g., FIG. 2B) enabling the user toedit the associated learning object. A delete control is provided inassociation with a given learning object, which when activated, willcause the learning object to be deleted from the list of learningobjects.

FIGS. 2B1-2B3 illustrate an example learning object edit user interface.Referring to FIG. 2B1, fields are provided via which the user may editor change the sequence number, the short name, the long name, the notes,the status, the title, a sub-title, substantive content included in thelearning object (e.g., challenge text, text corresponding to a responseto the challenge), etc. A full functioned word processor (e.g., withspell checking, text formatting, font selection, drawing features, HTMLoutput, preview functions, etc.) may be provided to edit some or all ofthe fields discuss above. Optionally, the user may save the changes tothe learning object file. Optionally, the user may edit an object in aread-only mode, wherein the user cannot save the changes to the samelearning object file, but can save the changes to another learningobject file (e.g., with a different file name).

Referring to FIG. 2B2, fields are provided via which a user can enter oredit additional substantive text (e.g., key elements the learner is tolearn) and indicate on which line the substantive text is to berendered. A control is provided via which the user can change the avatarbehavior (e.g., automatic). Additional fields are provided via which theuser can specify or change the specification of one or more pieces ofmultimedia content (e.g., videos), that are included or are to beincluded in the learning object. The user interface may display avariety of types of information regarding the multimedia content, suchas an indication as to whether the content item is auto generated, themedia type (e.g. video, video format; audio, audio format; animation,animation format; image, image format, etc.), upload file name, catalogfile name, description of the content, who uploaded the content, thedate the content was uploaded, audio text, etc. In addition, an imageassociated with the content (e.g., a first frame or a previouslyselected frame/image) may be displayed as well.

Referring to FIG. 2B3, additional fields are depicted that provideeditable data. A listing of automatic avatars is displayed (e.g. whoselips/head motions are automatically synchronized with an audio track). Agiven avatar listing may include an avatar image, a role played by theavatar, a name assigned to an avatar, an animation status (e.g., of theanimation, such the audio file associated with the avatar, the avatarmotion, the avatar scene), a status indicating with the avatar isactive, inactive, etc.). A view control is presented, which ifactivated, causes the example avatar view interface illustrated in FIG.2C to be displayed via which the user may view additional avatar-relateddata. In addition to or instead of view controls, edit controls may bepresented, which, when activated would cause the user interface of FIG.2C to be displayed as well, but with some or all of the fields beinguser editable. This is similarly the case with other user interfacesdescribed herein.

Referring to FIG. 2C, an interface for an avatar learning object isillustrated. A user can select a cast of avatar from an avatar cast viaa “cast” menu, or the user can select an avatar from a catalog ofavatars. The user can search for avatar types by specifying a desiredgender, ethnicity, and/or age. The user interface displays an elementsequence number and a learning object identifier. In addition, an imageof the avatar is displayed (including the face and articles of clothingbeing worn by the avatar), an associated sort order, character name,character role (which may be changed/selected via a drop-down menulisting one or more roles), a textual description, information regardingthe voice actor used to provide the avatar voice, an associated audiofile and related information (e.g., audio, audio format; upload filename, catalog file name, description of the content, who uploaded thecontent, the date the content was uploaded, audio text, an image of thevoice recording, etc.)

FIG. 2D illustrates an example user interface listing a variety oflearning modules, including associated sequence numbers, moduleidentifiers, short names, long names, and associated status, assimilarly discussed above with respect to FIG. 2A. Edit and deletecontrols are provided enabling the editing or deletion of a givenmodule. If the edit control is activated, the example module edit userinterface illustrated in FIGS. 2E1-2E2 are displayed.

Referring the example module edit user interface illustrated in to FIGS.2E1-2E2, editable fields are provided for the following: modulesequence, module ID, module short name, module long name, notice,status, module title, module subtitle, module footer (e.g., text whichis to be displayed as a footer in each module user interface), reviewpage header (e.g., text which is to be displayed as a header in a reviewpage user interface), a test/exercise user interface header, a moduleend message (to be displayed to the learner upon completion of themodule), and an indication whether the module is to be presentednon-randomly or randomly.

A listing of child elements, such as learning objects, are provided fordisplay. For example, a child element listing may include a sort number,a type (e.g., a learning object, a page, etc.), a tag (which may be usedto identify the purpose of the child) an image of an avatar playing afirst role (e.g., an avatar presenting a challenge to a responder, suchas a question or an indication that the challenger is not interested ina service or good of the responder), an image of an avatar playing asecond role (e.g., an avatar responding to the first avatar), notes(e.g., name, audio, motion, scene, video information for the firstavatar and for the second avatar), status, etc. A given child elementlisting may include an associated delete, view, or edit control, asappropriate. For example, if a view control is activated for a pagechild element, the example user interface of FIG. 2F may be provided fordisplay. As described below, in addition to a utilizing a view or editcontrol, a hierarchical menu may be used to select an item.

A hierarchical menu is displayed on the left hand side of the userinterface, listing the module name, various components included in themodule, and various elements within the components. A user can navigateto one of the listed items by clicking on the item and the respectiveselection may be viewed or edited (as is similarly the case with otherexample hierarchical menus discussed herein). The user can collapse orexpand the menu or portions thereof by clicking on an associatedarrowhead (as is similarly the case with other example hierarchicalmenus discussed herein).

Referring to the child element viewing user interface illustrated inFIG. 2F, editable fields are provided for the following: elementsequence, module sequence, type (e.g., learning object), parent element,sort order, learning object ID, learning object name, learning object,status, and learning object notes. A hierarchal menu is presented on theleft side of the user interface listing learning objects as defined inthe module. A user can navigate to one of the listed items by clickingon the item and the respective selection may be viewed or edited. Thehierarchal menu may highlight (e.g., via a box, color, animation, icon,or otherwise) a currently selected item.

FIG. 2G illustrates an example module element edit user interface.Editable fields are provided for the following: element sequence, modulesequence, type (e.g., learning object), parent element, sort order, pagename, page sequence, title, subtitle, body text, footer, video mode,custom URL or other locator used to access video from media catalog, andautomatic video URL. A hierarchical menu is displayed on the left handside of the user interface, listing learning modules (e.g., Test1,Test2, .etc), pages (e.g., StudyIntro), and page elements (e.g., title,subtitle, body text, footer, etc.). The hierarchal menu may highlightthe module element being viewed.

FIG. 2H1 illustrates a first user interface of a preview of content,such as of an example module. Fields are provided which display themodule name, the framework being used, and the output style (which, forexample, may specify the output device, the display resolution, etc.)for the rendered module. FIG. 2H2 illustrates a preview of a first userinterface of the module. In this example, the module text is displayedon the left hand side of the user interface, a video included in thefirst user interface is also displayed. As similarly discussed withrespect to FIG. 2H1, fields are provided which display the module name,the framework being used, and the output style for the rendered module.A hierarchical navigation menu is displayed on the right side.

FIG. 2I illustrates an example listing of available frameworks,including the associated short name, long name, and status. A viewcontrol is provided which, when activated, causes the example userinterface of FIG. 2J to be displayed. Referring to FIG. 2J, the examplelearning framework is displayed. Editable fields are provided for thefollowing: framework sequence, short name, long name, status, and alisting of child elements. The listing of child elements includes thefollowing information for a given child element: sort number, ID, type(e.g., page, block, layout, etc.), table (e.g., module element, learningobject, module, etc.), and status. A hierarchical menu is displayed onthe left hand side of the user interface, listing framework elements,such as pages, and sub-elements, such as introductions, learningobjects, etc.

FIG. 2K illustrates another example framework. Editable fields areprovided for the following: sequence, framework sequence, type, ID(which corresponds to a selected framework element listed in thehierarchical menu on the left side of the user interface (read in thisexample)), short name, long name, status, filter column, repeat max,line number, element sequence (recursive), layer, reference tag, and alisting of child details. The child details listing includes thefollowing information for a given child: sort number, ID, type (e.g.,text, control panel, etc.), reference table, reference tag, and status.A view control is provided in association with a respective child, whichif activated, causes a user interface, such as the example userinterface illustrated in FIG. 2L, to be presented. FIG. 2L illustratesthe framework for the element “body”. Editable fields are provided forthe following: detail sequence, element sequence, framework sequence,type, ID (which corresponds to a selected framework element listed inthe hierarchical menu on the left side of the user interface, “body” inthis example), short name, sort order, layer, repeat max, status,reference table, and reference tag.

FIG. 2M illustrates an example user interface displaying a listing ofscoring definitions. The following information is provided for a givenscoring definition: sequence number, short name, long name, type (e.g.,element, timer, etc.), and status. A view control is provided, which ifactivated, causes a user interface, such as the example user interfaceillustrated in FIG. 2N, to be presented. FIG. 2N illustrates the scoringdefinition for “PD Accuracy.” Editable fields are provided for thefollowing: sequence number, short name, long name, type (e.g., elementscoring), status, notes, and a listing of child elements. The childdetails listing includes the following information for a given child:sort number, type (e.g., control panel, etc.), and status. A viewcontrol is provided in association with a respective child, which ifactivated, causes a user interface, such as the example user interfaceillustrated in FIG. 2O, to be presented. A hierarchical menu isdisplayed on the left hand side of the user interface, listing scoringstyles and child elements.

FIG. 2O illustrates the accuracy scoring definition for “PD Accuracy.”Editable fields are provided for the following: element sequence number,score sequence, type, sort order, short name, status, title, subtitle,introduction text, question text, panel footer, option text file, optiontext tag, summary display, notes.

FIG. 2P illustrates an example user interface displaying a list ofdefinitions of controls and related information, including sequencenumber, short name, type (e.g., button, timer, etc.), function (e.g.,menu, next, previous, layer, etc.). A view control is provided inassociation with a respective control, which if activated, causes a userinterface, such as the example user interface illustrated in FIG. 2Q, tobe presented. FIG. 2Q illustrates the scoring definition for “menucontrol”. Editable fields are provided for the following: sequencenumber, short name, long name, type, function (e.g., menu), notes,status, enabled/disabled, and command.

FIG. 2R illustrates an example user interface displaying a list ofcontrol panel definitions and related information, including sequencenumber, short name, long name, type (e.g., floating, fixed, etc.). Aview control is provided in association with a respective control paneldefinition, which if activated, causes a user interface, such as theexample user interface illustrated in FIG. 2S, to be presented. FIG. 2Sillustrates the control definition for “Next Panel”, including theflowing fields: sequence, short name, long type, type, notes, and alisting of controls. A given control has an associated sequence number,control definition, and ID.

FIG. 2T illustrates an example user interface displaying a list ofstyles and related information, including sequence number, short name,long name, description. A view control and/edit control are provided inassociation with a respective style, which if activated, causes a userinterface, such as the example user interface illustrated in FIG. 2U, tobe presented.

FIG. 2U illustrates an example style set, including the followingfields: style sequence, short name, description, protocol (e.g.,SILVERLIGHT protocol, FLASH protocol, etc.), notes, status, and a listof child elements. The list of child elements includes: sort, name(e.g., page name, media name, text resource name, control panel name,settings name, etc.), type (e.g. Font, page, media, control, score,link, etc.), ID, reference, and status. A hierarchal menu is presentedon the left side of the user interface lists resources (e.g., fonts,pages, media, static text, control panels, scoring styles, etc.) andlinks to frameworks (e.g., splash pages, page settings, study introsettings, etc.). A view control is provided in association with arespective child element, which if activated, causes a user interface,such as the example user interface illustrated in FIG. 2V, to bepresented. A hierarchal menu is presented on the left side of the userinterface listing resources (e.g., fonts, pages, media, static text,control panels, scoring styles, etc.) and links to frameworks (e.g.,splash pages, page settings, study intro settings, etc.).

FIG. 2W illustrates an example style set element (for “Splash_Page”),including an element sequence number, style framework sequence, type(e.g., link, etc.), sort order, name, status, and a list of childelements. The child details listing includes the following informationfor a given child: sort number, type (e.g., page, media, font, text,etc.), name, element, detail, status. FIG. 2X illustrates anotherexample style set element (for “Read Settings”). FIG. 2Z illustrates anexample style set detail (for “Title Font”), including detail sequencenumber, element sequence, style framework sequence, type (e.g., fontresource), short name, sort order, framework element (e.g., read),framework detail (e.g., title), resource (e.g., primary front), andresource element (e.g., large titling). In addition, a hierarchicallisting of frameworks and a hierarchical list of font resources aredisplayed, via which a user may select one of the listed items to viewand/or edit. FIG. 2Y is intentionally omitted.

FIG. 2AA illustrates an example listing of font families, includingrelated information, such as short name, description, and status. A viewcontrol is provided in association with a respective font family, whichif activated, causes a user interface, such as the example userinterface illustrated in FIG. 2BB, to be presented. FIG. 2BB illustratesan example font family (for the “TEST PC” Font family), including stylesequence number, short name, description, notes, and status. Examples ofthe various available fonts and their respective names are displayed aswell. FIG. 2CC illustrates a font family style element (for the“Large_Titling” font), including the element sequence, font stylesequence, type (e.g., font), ID, sort order, status, font family (e.g.,Arial), size (e.g., large, medium, small, or 10 point, 14 point, 18point, etc.), color (e.g., expressed as a hexadecimal value, a colorname, or a visual color sample), special effects/styles (e.g., bold,italic, underline). Controls are provided which enables a user a specifybackground options (e.g., white, grey, black). In addition, ahierarchical listing of available font family members is displayed.

FIG. 2DD illustrates an example listing of page layouts, includingrelated information, such as short name, description, and status. A viewcontrol is provided in association with a respective page layout, whichif activated, causes a user interface, such as the example userinterface illustrated in FIG. 2EE, to be presented. FIG. 2EE illustratesan example page layout (for the “TEST PC” page layout), including stylesequence number, short name, description, notes, status, and a listingof child elements. The listing of child elements includes the followinginformation for a given child element: sort number, ID, type (e.g.,splash, combo, timed challenges, score, graph, video, etc.). A viewcontrol is provided in association with a child element, which ifactivated, causes a user interface, such as the example user interfaceillustrated in FIG. 2FF, to be presented. In addition, a hierarchicallisting of page layouts, child elements, and grandchild elements, isdisplayed, via which a user may select one of the listed items to viewand/or edit.

FIG. 2FF illustrates an example page layout element (for the“Combo_Page” page layout style element), including element sequence,page layout sequence, type (e.g., text/video, audio, animation, etc.),sort order, ID, status, and a listing of child details. The listing ofchild details includes the following information for a given childdetail: type (e.g., size, text, bullet list, etc.), sort number, ID, Xposition, Y position, width, height, and status. In addition, ahierarchical listing of page layouts, child elements, and grandchildelements, is displayed, via which a user may select one of the listeditems to view and/or edit. In this example, the items under “Combo_Page”correspond to the child details listed in the child details table.

FIG. 2GG illustrates an example listing of media styles, includingrelated information, such as short name, description, and status. A viewcontrol is provided in association with a media style, which ifactivated, causes a user interface, such as the example user interfaceillustrated in FIG. 2HH, to be presented. FIG. 2HH illustrates anexample media style (for the “Test PC” media style), including stylesequence, short name, description, notes, status, and a listing of childelements. The listing of child elements includes the followinginformation for a given child element: sort number, ID (e.g., WM/video,video alternate, splash BG, standard PG), media type (e.g., WM video,MP4 video, PNG image, JPG image, etc.). A view control is provided inassociation with a child element, which if activated, causes a userinterface, such as the example user interface illustrated in FIG. 2II,to be presented. In addition, a hierarchical listing of media styles andchild elements is displayed, via which a user may select one of thelisted items to view and/or edit.

FIG. 2II illustrates an example media style element (for the “SPLASH_BG”media style element), including element sequence, media style sequence,type, ID sort order, status, with the media is an autoplay media (e.g.,that is automatically played without the user having to activate a playcontrol), a skinless media, a start delay time, an a URL to access themedia. In addition, a thumbnail image of the media is previewed. A viewcontrol is provided, which when activated, causes a larger, optionallyfull resolution version of the image to be presented. If the media isvideo and/or audio media, a control may be provided via which the usercan playback the media. Other media related information is provided aswell, including upload file name, catalog file name, media description,an identification of who uploaded the media, when the media wasuploaded, and a sampling or all of the audio text (if any) included inthe media.

FIG. 2JJ illustrates an example listing of static text, includingrelated information, such as short name, description, and status. A viewcontrol is provided in association with a static text item, which ifactivated, causes a user interface, such as the example user interfaceillustrated in FIG. 2KK, to be presented. FIG. 2KK illustrates anexample static text item (for the “Standard PC” static text), includingstyle sequence, short name, description, notes, status, and a listing ofchild elements. The listing of child elements includes the followinginformation for a given child element: sort number, ID, type (e.g.,block, title, header, footer, etc.), and status. A view control isprovided in association with a child element, which if activated, causesa user interface, such as the example user interface illustrated in FIG.2LL, to be presented.

FIG. 2LL illustrates an example static text element (for the “Read”static element), including element sequence, text sequence, type (e.g.,block, title, header, footer, etc.), ID, sort order, width, height, thestatic text itself, and the status. A full functioned word processor(e.g., with spell checking, text formatting, font selection, drawingfeatures, HTML output, preview functions, etc.) may be provided to editthe static text.

FIG. 2MM illustrates an example listing of control panels, includingrelated information, such as short name, description, and status. A viewcontrol is provided in association with a static text item, which ifactivated, causes a user interface, such as the example user interfaceillustrated in FIG. 2NN, to be presented. FIG. 2NN illustrates anexample control panel item (for the “Blue Arrow-NP” control panel),including style sequence, short name, description, type (e.g., buttons,sliders, etc.), number of rows, number of columns, border width, bordercolor, cell padding, cell spacing, notes, status, and child elements.The listing of child elements includes the following information for agiven child element: sort number, ID, and status. A view control isprovided in association with a child element, which if activated, causesa user interface, such as the example user interface illustrated in FIG.2OO, to be presented.

FIG. 2OO illustrates an example control panel style element (for the“Next” control panel style element), including element sequence, CPstyle sequence, ID, sort order, status, image URL. In addition, athumbnail image of the control media is previewed (a “next” arrow, inthis example). A view control is provided, which when activated, causesa larger, optionally full resolution version of the image to bepresented. If the control media is video and/or audio control media, acontrol may be provided via which the user can playback the controlmedia. Other control media related information is provided as well,including upload file name, catalog file name, control mediadescription, an identification of who uploaded the control media, whenthe control media was uploaded, and a sampling or all of the audio text(if any) included in the control media.

FIG. 2PP illustrates an example listing of scoring panel styles,including related information, such as short name, description, andstatus. A view control is provided in association with a scoring panelstyle, which if activated, causes a user interface, such as the exampleuser interface illustrated in FIG. 2QQ, to be presented. FIG. 2QQillustrates an example scoring panel style (for the “PD Scoring” scoringpanel style), including style sequence, short name, description, notes,status, and child elements. The listing of child elements includes thefollowing information for a given child element: sort number, ID, andstatus. A view control is provided in association with a child element,which if activated, causes a user interface, such as the example userinterface illustrated in FIG. 2RR, to be presented.

FIG. 2RR illustrates an example scoring panel style element (for the“Basic” scoring panel style element), including element sequence, scorestyle sequence, ID, sort order, status, score display type (e.g.,score/possible, percentage correct, ranking, letter grade, etc.), cellpadding, cell spacing, boarder width, border color, an indication as towhether the title, question, and/or point display are to be shown.

FIG. 2SS illustrates an example listing of items for publication,including related information, such as publication number, modulenumber, module ID, published name, framework, style, publication date,publication time, and which user published the item. A download controlis provided in association with a given item, which if activated, causesthe item to be downloaded. Delete controls are provided as well. Theuser may specify what the table is to display by selecting a module,framework, and style, via the respective drop down menus toward the topof the table. A publish control is provided, which, when activated,causes the respective item to be published.

Example avatar studio user interfaces will now be described. FIG. 2TTillustrates a user interface via which a user may specify/select anavatar from an existing case, or from a catalog of avatars (e.g., byspecifying gender, ethnicity, and/or age). A user interface is providedfor creating a video/animation using the selected avatar(s). Fields areprovided via which the user can specify a model, a motion script, andaudio. A control is provided via which a user may specify and upload anaudio file. FIG. 2UU illustrates a list of avatars from which one ormore avatar characters can be selected for a course module. The list isin a table format, and includes an image of the avatar, a short name, along name, gender, ethnicity, age, and indication as to whether theavatar has been approved, and status. The list may be filtered inresponse to user specified criteria (e.g., gender, ethnicity, age,favorites only, etc.).

FIG. 2VV illustrates an example user interface for an avatar (the“Foster” avatar). The user interface includes a sequence number, shortname, long name, gender, ethnicity, age, an approval indication, adefault CTM, notes, status, URL for the thumbnail image of the avatar,base figure, morphs, and URL of the full resolution avatar image. FIG.2WW illustrates an example user interface listing avatar scenes. Athumbnail is presented from each scene in which a given avatar appears(is included in). FIG. 2XX illustrates an avatar scene user interfacefor a selected avatar (“Foster” in this example), and provides thefollowing related information: sequence number, short name, anindication as to whether the avatar is approved, default CTM, notes,status, and a listing of scenes in which the avatar appears (includingrelated information, such as sequence number, short name, backgroundnumber, and status).

FIG. 2YY illustrates an example list of avatar motions, including thefollowing related information: sequence number, sort number, short name,long name, file name, an indication of the user designated therespective motion as a favorite, and status. A view control is providedin association with an avatar motion, which if activated, causes a userinterface, such as the example user interface illustrated in FIG. 2ZZ,to be presented. The user interface illustrated in FIG. 2ZZ is for anexample avatar motion (the “neutral” avatar motion in this example). Theuser interface includes the following fields: sequence number, shortname, long name, description, sort order, favorite indication, filename, notes, and status.

FIG. 3A illustrates an example listing of avatar backgrounds, includingrelated information, such as sequence number, sort number, short name,long name, file suffix, favorite indication, and status. A view controlis provided in association with an avatar background, which ifactivated, causes a user interface, such as the example user interfaceillustrated in FIG. 3B, to be presented. FIG. 3B illustrates an exampleavatar background user interface (for the “Bank Counter” background inthis example). The example user interface includes the following fields:sequence number, short name, long name, description, sort order,favorite indication, file suffix, notes, and status.

FIG. 3C illustrates an example listing of media in a media catalog,including related information, such as type (e.g., image, audio, video,animation, etc.), a visual representation of the media (e.g., athumbnail of an image, a clip of a video, a waveform of an audio track,etc.), an original file name, a new file name, a description, an uploaddate, an indication as to who uploaded the media, and the media format(e.g., JPEG, PNG, GIF, WAV, MP4, etc.). FIG. 3D illustrates an examplebuild video user interface, wherein the user can specify/select amodule, framework, style, and video format. The user can then activate abuild control and the system will build the video using the selectedmodule, framework, style, and video format.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example networked system architecture. Anauthoring system 102 may host the authoring software providing some orall of the functions described elsewhere herein. The authoring systemmay include a server and a data store. The data store may store content,code for rendering user interfaces, templates, frameworks, fonts, and/orother types of data discussed herein. The authoring system 102 may hosta website via which the authoring system, applications, and userinterfaces may be accessed over a network. The authoring system 102 mayinclude one or more user terminals, optionally including displays,keyboards, mice, printers, speakers, local processors, and the like. Theauthoring system 102 may be accessible over a network, such as theInternet, to one or more other terminals, which may be associated withcontent authors, administrators, and/or end users (e.g., trainees,students, etc.). The user terminals may be in the form of a mobiledevice 104 (which may be in the form of a wireless smart phone), acomputer 106 (which may be in the form of a desktop computer, laptop,tablet, smart TV, etc.), a printer 108, or other device. Certain userterminals may be able to reproduce audio and video content as well astext content from the authoring system, while other terminals may beable to only reproduce text and/or audio.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example process overview for defining andpublishing learning content. At state 501, a user may define userparameters via the authoring system (e.g., login data/credentials,communities, access rights, etc.) which are stored by the authoringsystem, as explained in greater detail with reference to FIG. 6. Atstate 502, the user (who will be referred to as an author although theuser may be an administrator rather than a content author) can defineinteractive consoles via the authoring system (e.g., maintenanceconsole, styles consoles, structures console, avatar consoles, learningcontent consoles, etc.) which are stored by the authoring system, asexplained in greater detail with reference to FIG. 7. At state 503, theauthor can define styles via the authoring system (e.g., fontdefinitions, page layouts, media formats, static text sets, controlpanel appearance, scoring panel appearance, style set collection, etc.)which are stored by the authoring system, as explained in greater detailwith reference to FIG. 8. At state 504, the author can define structuresvia the authoring system (e.g., learning frameworks, learning content,scoring systems, control functions, control panel groupings, etc.) whichare stored by the authoring system, as explained in greater detail withreference to FIG. 9.

At state 505, the author can define avatars via the authoring system(e.g., avatar models, avatar scenes, avatar motions, avatar casts, etc.)which are stored by the authoring system, as explained in greater detailwith reference to FIG. 10. At state 506, the author can define structure(e.g., learning objects, modules of learning objects, course of modules,series of courses, etc.) which are stored by the authoring system, asexplained in greater detail with reference to FIG. 11. At state 507, theuser can preview the learning content via the authoring system, asexplained in greater detail with reference to FIG. 12. At state 508, theuser can publish the learning content via the authoring system, asexplained in greater detail with reference to FIG. 13.

Optionally, some of the states (e.g., states 501-505) may only need tobe performed by a given author once, during a set-up phase, althoughoptionally a user may repeat the states. Other states are optionallyperformed as new content is being authored and published (e.g., states506-508).

FIG. 6 illustrates an example process for defining parameters. At state601, an author may define login data/credentials that will be needed byusers (e.g., students/trainees) to login to access learning course(e.g., a userID and password). At state 602, a determination is made asto whether the author is defining a new community. The authoring systemmay be hosted on a multi-tenant Internet-based server system, enablingmultiple organizations (e.g., companies or other entities) to share theauthoring platform, wherein a given organization may have a private,secure space inaccessible to other organizations while other resourcesare shared “public” areas, available to all or a plurality of selectedorganizations/companies. A given organization can specify which of itsresources are public or private, and can specify which otherorganizations can access what resources. The organization'sspecification may then be stored in memory. The operator of theauthoring system may likewise offer resources and specify whichresources are public. Examples of resources include learning content,style sets, custom avatars, etc.

If the author is defining a new community, the process proceeds to state603, and a new community is defined by the author. Creating a newcommunity may be performed by creating a new database entry that is usedas a registration of a separate “space” within the multi-tenantplatform. If, at state 602, a determination is made that the author isutilizing an existing community, the process proceeds to data 603. Theauthor affiliates with a data community and specified user affiliationdata. At this point, a “community” exists (either pre-existing or newlycreated), and so the user is assigned to the specific community so thatthey can have access to both the private and public resources of thatcommunity. At state 605, the author can define user access rights,specifying what data a given user or class of user can access.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example process for defining interactive consoles.At state 701, an author can define and/or edit a console used tomaintain other consoles. At state 702, the author may define/edit stylesconsoles using the console maintenance console defined at state 701. Thestyle consoles may be used to define and maintain fonts, layouts, media,static text, control panels, and scoring panels. At state 703, theauthor may define/edit structures consoles which may be used to defineand maintain various panels such as frameworks, scoring, and controlspanels. At state 704, the author may define/edit avatar consoles whichmay be used to define and maintain models, scenes, casts, and motions.At state 705, the author may define/edit learning content consoles whichmay be used to define and maintain learning objects, modules, courses,and manuals.

By way of illustration, a “maintenance console” may be used to defineelements that comprise the system that is used to maintain the relevantdata. By way of example, if the data was an “address file” or electronicaddress card, the corresponding console may comprise a text box forname, a text box for address, a text box that only accepted numbers forZIP code, a dropdown box for a selection of state. A user may be able toadd controls (e.g., buttons) to the console that enables a user todelete the address card, make a copy of the address card, save theaddress after making changes, or print the address card. Thus, in thisexample application, that console comprises assorted text boxes, somebuttons, a dropdown list, etc.

The console editor enables the user to define the desired elements andspecify how user interface elements are to be laid out. For example, theuser may want buttons to save, delete, copy to be positioned towardsthat top of the user interface; then below the buttons, a text box maybe positioned to receive or display the name of the person on theaddress card. Positioned below the foregoing text box, a multi-line boxmay be positioned for the street address, then a box for city, adropdown for state, and a box for ZIP code. Thus, the console editorenables the user to define various controls to build the user interfacesfor maintaining user specified data. The foregoing process may be usedfor multiple types of data definitions, and as in the illustratedexample, the user interface to define the console optionally grouped inone area (e.g., on the left), and the data that defines that consoleoptionally grouped in another area (e.g., on the right)—with eachconsole containing a definition of the appropriate controls to performthat maintenance task.

Thus, for example, at state 702, a user can define the controls neededto maintain styles. At state 703, a user can define the controls neededto define structures. At state 704, a user can define the controlsneeded to maintain avatar definitions. At state 705, a user can definethe controls needed to maintain the learning content.

At state 701, the console maintenance console may be used to define aconsole (as similarly discussed with respect to states 702 through 705)but in this case the console that is being defined is used to defineconsoles. As such, the tool to define consoles is flexible, in that itis used to define itself.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example process for defining styles. At state 801,the author may define/edit font definitions via a font maintenanceconsole to define font appearance (e.g., font family (e.g., Arial), size(e.g., large, medium, small, or 10 point, 14 point, 18 point, etc.),color (e.g., expressed as a hexadecimal value, a color name, or a visualcolor sample), special effects/styles (e.g., bold, italic, underline))and usage. At state 802, the author may define/edit page layouts via alayout maintenance console to define dimensions and placement on a given“page.” At state 803, the author may define/edit page media formats andmedia players via a media maintenance console to define media formats(e.g., for audio, video, still images, etc.). At state 804, the authormay define/edit static text sets via a text maintenance console todefine sets of static text (which may be text that is repeatedly used,such as “Next” and “Previous” that may appear on each user interface ina learning module). At state 805, the author may define/edit controlpanel appearance via a control maintenance console to define theappearance of control panels (e.g., color, buttons, menus, navigationcontrols, etc.). At state 806, the author may define/edit scoring panelappearance via a scoring maintenance console to define the appearance ofscoring (e.g., a grade score, a numerical score, a pass fail score,etc.) for use with learning modules. At state 807, the author maydefine/edit a style set collection via a style set console to define aconsolidated style set to include fonts, layout, media, text, controls,and/or scoring.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example process for defining content structure,including learning flow, learning content, scoring systems, controlfunctions, and control panel groupings. At state 902, the author maydefine/edit learning frameworks via a framework console to define datathat defines frameworks/learning flows (e.g., an order or flow ofpresentation of content to a learner). At state 903, the author maydefine/edit learning content via a learning content console to definethe learning content structure, including, for example, courses,modules, and frameworks. At state 903, the author may define/editlearning scoring systems via a scoring console to define scoringmethodologies (e.g., multiple choice, multi-select, true/false, etc.).At state 904, the author may define/edit control functions via a controlconsole to define controls, (e.g., buttons, menus, hotspots, etc.). Atstate 905, the author may define/edit control panel groupings via acontrol panel console to define individual controls into preset controlpanel configurations.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example process for defining an avatar. At state1001, the author may define/edit avatar modules via an avatar console todefine avatar figures (e.g., gender, facial features, clothing, race,etc.). At state 1002, the author may define/edit avatar scenes via anavatar scene console to define scenes including avatars, such as byselecting predefined backgrounds or defining backgrounds. At state 1003,the author may define/edit avatar motions via an avatar motion consoleto define such aspects as body movements, facial expressions, stances,etc. for the avatar models. At state 1004, the author may define/editavatar casts via a casting console to group avatar models in casts thatcan be applied to one or more learning scenarios.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example process for defining learning content. Atstate 1101, the author may define/edit learning objects via a learningobject console to define learning object content, such as text,audio-video media, graphics, etc. At state 1102, the author maydefine/edit modules of learning content via a module console to definemodule content (e.g., by selecting learning objects to embed in thelearning content modules). At state 1103, the author may define/edit acourse of modules via a course console to define course content (e.g.,by selecting learning content modules to embed in the course content).At state 1104, the author may define/edit a series of courses via aseries console to define course content (e.g., by selecting courses toembed in the course series.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example process for previewing content. At state1201, the author can select desired content to be previewed from a menuof content (e.g., course series, modules, courses) or otherwise, whichmay include data that defines avatars, combinations of avatar figureswith backgrounds, avatar model motions, avatar costs, learning objectcontent, module content, course content, series content, etc. At state1202, the user can select a desired framework (e.g., learningmethodologies/flow) to be previewed from a menu of frameworks orotherwise, where a selected framework may include data that definesframeworks, learning content structure, scoring methodologies, controloperations, control groupings, etc. At state 1203, the user can select adesired style (e.g., appearance) to be previewed from a menu of stylesor otherwise, where a selected style may include data that defines fontappearance and usage, dimensions/sizes and placement, media formats andplayers, static text, scoring appearance, control panel appearance,consolidated style set definition, etc.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example process for publishing content. At state1301, the author may select (e.g., via a menu or otherwise) learningcontent to be published (e.g., a series, module, course, etc.), whichmay include data that defines avatars, combinations of avatar figureswith backgrounds, avatar model motions, avatar costs, learning objectcontent, module content, course content, series content, etc. At state1302, the user can select a desired framework (e.g., learningmethodologies/flow) to be published from a menu of frameworks orotherwise, where a selected framework may include data that definesframeworks, learning content structure, scoring methodologies, controloperations, control groupings, etc. At state 1303, the user can select adesired style (e.g., appearance) to be published from a menu of stylesor otherwise, where a selected style may include data that defines fontappearance and usage, dimensions/sizes and placement, media formats andplayers, static text, scoring appearance, control panel appearance,consolidated style set definition, etc. At state 1304, the author canselect the appropriate publisher for one or more target devices via amenu of publishers or otherwise, and the authoring system will generatea content package (e.g., digital documents) suitable for respectivetarget devices (e.g., a desktop computer, a tablet, a smart phone, aninteractive television, a hardcopy book, etc.).

Thus, certain embodiments described herein enable learning content to bedeveloped flexibly and efficiently, with content and format independentdefined. For example, an author may define learning items by subject,may define a template that specifies how these various items are to bepresented to thereby build learning modules. An author may enter dataindependent of the format in which it is to be presented, and create anindependent “framework” that specifies a learning flow. Duringpublishing, content and the framework may be merged. Optionally, a usercan automatically publish the same content in any number of differentframeworks. Certain embodiments enable some or all of the foregoingfeatures by providing a self-defining, extensible system enabling theuser to appropriately tag and classify data. This enables the content tobe defined before or after the format or the framework are defined.

Certain embodiments may be implemented via hardware, software stored onmedia, or a combination of hardware and software. For example, certainembodiments may include software/program instructions stored ontangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., magneticmemory/discs, optical memory/discs, RAM, ROM, FLASH memory, othersemiconductor memory, etc.), accessible by one or more computing devicesconfigured to execute the software (e.g., servers or other computingdevice including one or more processors, wired and/or wireless networkinterfaces (e.g., cellular, WiFi, BLUETOOTH interface, T1, DSL, cable,optical, or other interface(s) which may be coupled to the Internet),content databases, customer account databases, etc.). Data stores (e.g.,databases) may be used to store some or all of the information discussedherein.

By way of example, a given computing device may optionally include userinterface devices, such as some or all of the following: one or moredisplays, keyboards, touch screens, speakers, microphones, mice, trackballs, touch pads, printers, etc. The computing device may optionallyinclude a media read/write device, such as a CD, DVD, Blu-ray, tape,magnetic disc, semiconductor memory, or other optical, magnetic, and/orsolid state media device. A computing device, such as a user terminal,may be in the form of a general purpose computer, a personal computer, alaptop, a tablet computer, a mobile or stationary telephone, aninteractive television, a set top box (e.g., coupled to a display), etc.

While certain embodiments may be illustrated or discussed as havingcertain example components, additional, fewer, or different componentsmay be used. Process described as being performed by a given system maybe performed by a user terminal or other system or systems. Processesdescribed as being performed by a user terminal may be performed byanother system or systems. Data described as being accessed from a givensource may be stored by and accessed from other sources. Further, withrespect to the processes discussed herein, various states may beperformed in a different order, not all states are required to bereached, and fewer, additional, or different states may be utilized.User interfaces described herein are optionally presented (and userinstructions may be received) via a user computing device using abrowser, other network resource viewer, or otherwise. For example, theuser interfaces may be presented (and user instructions received) via anapplication (sometimes referred to as an “app”), such as an appconfigured specifically for authoring or training activities, installedon the user's mobile phone, laptop, pad, desktop, television, set topbox, or other terminal. Various features described or illustrated asbeing present in different embodiments or user interfaces may becombined into still another embodiment or user interface. A given userinterface may have additional or fewer elements and fields than theexamples depicted or described herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A learning content management system comprising:one or more processing devices; non-transitory machine readable mediathat stores executable instructions, which, when executed by the one ormore processing devices, are configured to cause the one or moreprocessing devices to perform operations comprising: providing fordisplay on a computing device a learning content input user interfaceconfigured to receive learning content; receiving learning content viathe learning content input user interface and storing the receivedlearning content in machine readable memory; providing for display onthe computing device a framework user interface configured to receive aframework definition, wherein the framework definition defines at leastan order of presentation to a learner with respect to learning content;receiving from a user, independently of the received learning content, afirst framework definition via the framework user interface and storingthe received first framework definition in machine readable memory,wherein the first framework definition specifies a first presentationflow; receiving a second framework definition via the framework userinterface and storing the received second framework definition inmachine readable memory, wherein the second framework definitionspecifies a second presentation flow; providing for display on thecomputing device a style set user interface configured to receive astyle definition, wherein the style definition defines an appearanceformat of learning content, and wherein the style set user interfaceenables a plurality of style definitions to be defined, including atleast a first style definition and a second style definition; receiving,independently of at least a portion of the received learning content,the first style set definition via the style set user interface andstoring the received first style set definition in machine readablememory, wherein the first style set definition defines an appearanceformat for a display having a first display capability; receiving fromthe user a first publishing instruction via a publishing user interface;at least partly in response to the received first publishinginstruction: accessing from machine readable memory the receivedlearning content, the received first framework definition, and thereceived first style set definition; rendering the received learningcontent using the received first framework definition in accordance withthe first style set definition; and packaging the learning contentrendered using the first framework definition to provide a firstpublished learning document for a device having the first displaycapability, wherein packaging the learning content rendered using thefirst framework definition comprises saving space or enabling the devicehaving the first display capability to display the published learningdocument by converting at least one content item format.
 2. The systemas defined in claim 1, wherein the first display capability relates to aphysical property of the first display.
 3. The system as defined inclaim 1, the operations further comprising providing a target devicemenu for display on the computing device, the target device menuincluding at least: a device type having the first display capability,and a device type having a second display capability, wherein the devicehaving the second display capability has a different display resolutionthan the device having the first display capability, wherein thelearning content rendered using the first framework definition ispackaged in accordance with a selected target device.
 4. The system asdefined in claim 1, wherein the learning content management systemcomprises a multi-tenant Internet-based server system that enablesmultiple entities to utilize the learning content management system, andwherein a given entity is provided a private, secure space inaccessibleto other entities provided access to the system, and certain resourcesare public and shared and are available to all entities or a pluralityof selected entities that utilize the learning content managementsystem.
 5. The system as defined in claim 1, wherein the learningcontent management system comprises a multi-tenant Internet-based serversystem that enables multiple entities to utilize the learning contentmanagement system, and wherein a given entity is provided a private,secure space inaccessible to other entities provided access to thesystem, and certain resources are public and shared and are available toall entities or a plurality of selected entities that utilize thelearning content management system, where the system enables a givenentity to specify which resources of the given entity are public andwhich resources of the given entity are private.
 6. The system asdefined in claim 1, wherein the style set user interface comprises ahierarchal menu comprising resources and links to frameworks.
 7. Thesystem as defined in claim 1, wherein the style set user interfaceenables the user to specify a style set for a mobile device and a styleset for a printable document.
 8. The system as defined in claim 1,wherein converting at least one content item from a first format to asecond format comprises converting at least one content item from afirst file type to a second file type.
 9. The system as defined in claim1, wherein converting at least one content item from a first format to asecond format comprises converting at least an image format of at leastone content item.
 10. The system as defined in claim 1, whereinconverting at least one content item from a first format to a secondformat comprises converting at least an audio format of at least onecontent item.
 11. The system as defined in claim 1, the operationsfurther comprising: providing a user interface enabling the user toselect at least an avatar face and an audio track; and generating a userselected animated avatar whose lips and/or body motions are synchronizedwith a user selected audio track.
 12. A computer-implemented method,comprising: providing, by a computer system comprising hardware, alearning content input user interface configured to receive learningcontent; receiving, by the computer system, learning content via thelearning content input user interface and storing the received learningcontent in machine readable memory; providing, by the computer system, aframework user interface configured to receive a framework definition,wherein the framework definition defines at least an order ofpresentation to a learner with respect to learning content; receiving,by the computer system, from a user, independently of the receivedlearning content, a first framework definition via the framework userinterface and storing the received first framework definition in machinereadable memory, wherein the first framework definition specifies afirst presentation flow; receiving, by the computer system,independently of the received learning content, a second frameworkdefinition via the framework user interface and storing the receivedsecond framework definition in machine readable memory, wherein thesecond framework definition specifies a second presentation flow;providing, by the computer system, a style set user interface configuredto receive a style definition, wherein the style definition defines anappearance format of learning content and wherein the style set userinterface enables a plurality of style definitions to be defined,including at least a first style definition and a second styledefinition; receiving, independently of at least a portion of thereceived learning content, the first style set definition via the styleset user interface and storing the received first style set definitionin machine readable memory, wherein the first style set definitiondefines an appearance format for a display having a first displaycapability; receiving, by the computer system, from the user a firstpublishing instruction via a publishing user interface; at least partlyin response to the received first publishing instruction: accessing, bythe computer system, from machine readable memory the received learningcontent, the received first framework definition, and the received firststyle set definition; enabling the received learning content to berendered using the received first framework definition; packaging thelearning content rendered using the first framework definition toprovide a first published learning document for a device having thefirst display capability, wherein packaging the learning contentrendered using the first framework definition comprises converting atleast one content item from a first format to a second format.
 13. Themethod as defined in claim 12, wherein the first display capabilityrelates to a physical property of the first display.
 14. The method asdefined in claim 12, the method further comprising providing a targetdevice menu for display on the computing device, the target device menuincluding at least: a device type having the first display capability,and a device type having a second display capability, wherein the devicehaving the second display capability has a different display resolutionthan the device having the first display capability; wherein thelearning content rendered using the first framework definition ispackaged in accordance with a selected target device.
 15. The method asdefined in claim 12, the method further comprising: enabling multipleentities to utilize the computer system, wherein a given entity isprovided a private, secure space inaccessible to other entities providedaccess to the computer system, and certain resources are public andshared and are available to all entities or a plurality of selectedentities that utilize the computer system.
 16. The method as defined inclaim 12, the method further comprising: enabling multiple entities toutilize the computer system, wherein a given entity is provided aprivate, secure space inaccessible to other entities provided access tothe computer system, and certain resources are public and shared and areavailable to all entities or a plurality of selected entities thatutilize the computer system, and enabling a given entity to specifywhich resources of the given entity are public and which resources ofthe given entity are private.
 17. The method as defined in claim 12,wherein the style set user interface comprises a hierarchal menucomprising resources and links to frameworks.
 18. The method as definedin claim 12, wherein converting at least one content item from a firstformat to a second format comprises converting at least one content itemfrom a first file type to a second file type.
 19. The method as definedin claim 12, wherein converting at least one content item from a firstformat to a second format comprises converting at least an image formatof at least one content item.
 20. The method as defined in claim 12,wherein converting at least one content item from a first format to asecond format comprises converting at least an audio format of at leastone content item.